The Uninvited Guest: Uncovering the Menace of Sprangletop

Did you know that a single Sprangletop plant can produce up to 100,000 seeds, making it one of the most prolific weeds in the world? This staggering fact highlights the importance of understanding and controlling the spread of this invasive species, which can wreak havoc on agricultural fields, lawns, and gardens alike.

What is Sprangletop?

Sprangletop (Leptochloa spp.) is a type of grassy weed that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions, but has spread to many parts of the world through human activity and climate change. This annual grass can grow up to 3 feet tall, with flat, narrow leaves and a distinctive "V"-shaped ligule at the base of the leaf blade.

The Impact of Sprangletop

Sprangletop is a significant problem in agricultural fields, particularly in crops such as rice, soybeans, and corn. It can reduce crop yields, increase production costs, and even lead to the abandonment of infested fields. In addition, Sprangletop can also outcompete native vegetation in natural ecosystems, altering the local biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Growth Control and Eradication

Effective control of Sprangletop requires a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. Cultural practices such as adjusting irrigation and fertilization regimens can help reduce the weed's growth. Mechanical methods like hand-pulling or mowing can be effective for small infestations. However, for larger areas, chemical control using pre-emergent herbicides like Prodiamine is often necessary.

-> Get Granular Prodiamine Pre-Emergent Herbicide here.

Prodiamine is a popular choice for Sprangletop control due to its high efficacy and long-lasting residual activity. It can be applied in early spring, before the weed emerges, to prevent germination and growth.

Additional Tips for Sprangletop Management

Monitor fields and gardens regularly to catch infestations early.

Improve soil health through proper irrigation, fertilization, and tillage practices.

Use physical barriers or mulch to suppress weed growth.

Consider integrating cover crops or companion planting to outcompete Sprangletop.

Conclusion

AKA bearded sprangletop and Kallar grass.

A remarkably widespread species of grass native to North America, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia, and introduced in Europe, New Zealand and Hawaii, and elsewhere.

It prefers to grow in salty, wet conditions, like salt marshes and shallow depressions. In this case it was growing at the edge of one of the winter-wet depressions on Dingo Rock.